This morning, Secretary Rumsfeld and I discussed recommendations
from our commanders in Iraq and Afghanistan about additional resources
that they may require.

While we do not know the precise costs for operations next year,
recent developments on the ground and increased demands on our troops
indicate the need to plan for contingencies. We must make sure there
is no disruption in funding and resources for our troops.

I am requesting that Congress establish a $25 billion contingency
reserve fund for the coming fiscal year to meet all commitments to our
troops and to make sure we succeed in these critical fronts in the war
on terror. As my Administration has previously said, we will pursue a
full FY 2005 supplemental request when we can better estimate precise
costs.

Our troops in Iraq are performing superbly in their efforts to help
the Iraqi people realize a free and peaceful future. I have pledged to
our troops that they will have all the resources they need to get the
job done, and I look forward to working with Congress on this high
priority.